Ayre K5xe vs BAT Pre

Both brands are excellent. I've had pieces from each one and I prefer Ayre. I don't see myself switching to any other brand. Looking at your system, I feel your weakest component is your 1.6's. I had a pair of them for about a year. Felt that they are very overrated. You won't see the full potential of your other components with the 1.6's in your system.

I moved from Ayre to BAT system and have been very happy with the change. Started with the BAT VK-31se and then went to the Ayre K-1xe. It was nice but could not match the midrange or bass of the bat. Then went on to the BAT VK-42se (ss) preamp. better than either of the others and very underrated preamp. Also owned phonostage from both, and the V-1xe amp from ayre. I would match a BAT preamp with your amp. Now own all REX system.

Thanks, so just like all equipment it seems to be more personal preference than one being better. As for the Maggie's, I have heard quite a few Wilson, B&W, and Revel systems and always felt the Maggie's were more emotionally involving.

"Thanks, so just like all equipment it seems to be more personal preference than one being better."

Your absolutely right about that. Whatever you end up with, BAT or Ayre, I feel you win either way. At their given price points, both companies make products that are state of the art. There are some other great companies out there, as well, but I don't think there’s anything better; just different.

I don't mean to put your 1.6's down in any way. I've owned them and was just giving my honest opinion. Also, I forgot to ask, why a BAT 500? Your source and preamp are Ayre. Why not consider a V5? Needless to say, it will be a synergistic match. You do state in your original post that imaging is very important. If that’s the case, I can tell you that I have 2 V5's in my system and the imaging is better than anything I have ever heard; tube or solid state. Keep in mind, though, all components contribute to a systems imaging.

I would love to trade someone my VK-500 for Ayre V5xe purely on synergy. I was able to get a good deal on the bat locally that no one currently selling a V5 was willing to give me. So that is the reason for the purchase of the Bat. The amp I replaced was a 185 watt emotiva. Hopefully the new amp will open up my system further.

I was not worried about your comment, heck this weekend I demo'd some 3.7's with a friend who owns Revel studio 2 and he felt that there was something missing. I thought they were wonderful :) and would have bought them on the spot if funds allowed :). And thus the reason there are so many audio manufacurers.